One minute’s silence to be held today in memory of Jo Cox

A one minute’s silence will be held across Kirklees this afternoon in memory of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox.

Books of condolence will also be open at Batley, Dewsbury, Cleckheaton and Huddersfield town halls at 1pm-5pm.

They will be available from 9am-5pm tomorrow and from 9am-5pm on Monday June 20 to Friday June 24.

Kirklees Council Deputy Mayor Coun Christine Iredale will be observing the silence today and signing the book of condolence at Batley Town Hall at 1pm.

Flags are at half-mast on all Kirklees town halls.

Kirklees Council Chief Executive Adrian Lythgo today paid tribute saying Mrs Cox, who had been Batley and Spen Mp for a little over a year, had been an important influence on the area and a force for good for her constituents.

He said: “We always knew that so many people had great respect for Jo, and how influential she was in conversations and in debate. But that has only been reinforced by the reaction to her tragic death.

“Party colleagues and opposition members have all been united in their shock and sadness at what would have been a stellar career cut short in the worst way.”

Mr Lythgo said that Mrs Cox’s background in international work had brought a new perspective to political and regional discussions.

“MPs always have great strength of feeling for their constituencies, but there is a bigger picture and context to decision making and Jo certainly had that. She is rightly credited across both benches in Parliament for her work on the refugee crisis and on international aid.

“She was a huge public servant and while she had been an MP only one year, her profile through her international work in her earlier career was high. This is demonstrated by the tributes she has received in several languages since her death.

“Her passion on this subject was matched by her passion for Batley and Spen. She was also a mother to two children, and our thoughts at this time must recognise the devastating impact this has had on her husband and family. I have offered my condolences on behalf of the council to them.”